Skip to main content

Legal Wars Erupting Over Water Rights

Texas isn't the only state facing legal fights with others over water rights. NPR looks at what's behind the wars and how they're resolved.

Republish
Lead image for this article
Credit: Graphic by Todd Wiseman

Texas isn't the only state facing legal fights with others over water rights. An NPR report examines the controversies over water rights that result when rivers flow across state and international boundaries. In the U.S., two different doctrines determine surface water rights: the “riparian” doctrine in the East and the “prior appropriation” doctrine in the West.

Texas Tribune donors or members may be quoted or mentioned in our stories, or may be the subject of them. For a complete list of contributors, click here.

Texans need truth. Help us report it.

Independent Texas reporting needs your support. The Texas Tribune delivers fact-based journalism for Texans, by Texans — and our community of members, the readers who donate, make our work possible. Help us bring you and millions of others in-depth news and information. Will you support our nonprofit newsroom with a donation of any amount?

Support independent Texas news

Become a member. Join today.

Choose an amount or learn more about membership.

$18 $20 $25 Other
Donate now

Information about the authors

Learn about The Texas Tribune’s policies, including our partnership with The Trust Project to increase transparency in news.

Explore related story topics